Native Fish Stockist is a growing Murray cod hatchery run by Kane and his family. Because there were no monitoring systems or alarms in place, Kane needed to live on site to constantly check the tanks and respond to any issues. This meant very long days, interrupted nights, and little peace of mind.

As the hatchery planned a major upgrade to its power and pond aeration systems, the family recognised that continuing without monitoring or alarms was no longer practical. With significant capital already being invested, they decided it was the right time to add a proper dissolved oxygen monitoring and alarm system.

Kane was already familiar with Technolab and OxyGuard, having previously purchased portable meters from us, so he reached out to discuss a more permanent solution.

The Challenge

Through several phone conversations, Scott identified that the hatchery required a full monitoring and control system across 16 tanks.

To clearly understand the site layout and operating needs, Scott and Kane completed a virtual walk-through of the farm using FaceTime technology. From this, Scott determined that the OxyGuard Pacific analyser would best meet the hatchery’s requirements.

Once the scope was agreed on, Technolab worked closely with Kane to plan:

• Sensor locations in each tank
• Cable runs and junction box placement
• Integration of emergency oxygen dosing

Custom oxygen distribution panels, controlled by the OxyGuard system, were designed and built in Technolab’s Hobart warehouse.

The project was delivered in three key parts:

1. Continuous dissolved oxygen measurement in all tanks
2. Automatic emergency oxygen dosing if levels dropped too low
3. Alarm notifications via audible alerts and SMS messaging

The Solution

After being built and tested in Technolab’s Hobart workshop, the complete system was shipped to Native Fish Stockist’s Beechworth facility.

Installation was completed over four days by Scott, working alongside Kane’s brother, a licensed electrician. This approach allowed the hatchery to continue operating with minimal disruption.

The Outcome

With the new monitoring and alarm system in place, Kane and his family no longer need to live on site around the clock. They now have confidence that any issue will be detected immediately and that they will be notified straight away if action is required.

Most importantly, they can finally enjoy a full night’s sleep, knowing their fish and their business are protected 24/7.

Equipment list

Hatchery-

1 x Main unit, 4 x Combi Units for up to 20 sensors

30 x Relays and 30 x Digital I/O's available for PID oxygen control, setpoint emergency oxygen, pressure, level and flow switches etc

16 x DO/Temp measurement with PID oxygen control (16 x Relays, 16 x Analogue Sensor inputs)

4 x Emergency Oxygen outputs ) to control 4 Tanks (4 x Relays)

2 x Heated tank temp probes (2 x Analogue Sensor Inputs)

16 x Tank Level Switch (16x Digital Input)

1 x Air flow (Pressure) Switch (1 x Digital Input)

3 x Water flow Switches (3 x Digital Input)

3 x Supply tank level, Low and High level switch (6 x Digital Inputs)

Alarm Light and Siren (2 x Relays)

SMS Module for alarm Notification (SIM Card Plan required)

Web Interface & Cobalia Access(12 months cloud data) (Access to internet/network required)

We’re excited to announce that we’ll be showcasing the Marlin+, OxyGuard International’s latest innovation in aquaculture monitoring and control, at the upcoming Australian Prawn Farmers Symposium, taking place from 6th – 8th August at the Amora Hotel, Brisbane.

What began as early conversations with farmers about the future of water quality monitoring has now become a reality. The Marlin+ represents a significant step forward in smart oxygen control, designed to deliver greater insight, more adaptive management, and enhanced precision for farm operations.

Developed by the expert team at OxyGuard International, this next-generation technology offers aquaculture professionals a new level of control and data visibility to support more efficient, responsive, and sustainable farming practices.

📍 Visit our stand at the Symposium for an exclusive first look at the Marlin+ in action.

We look forward to connecting with producers, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the latest in aquaculture technology and innovation.

See you in Brisbane.

With over 35 years of research and innovation, Tritonlux has established itself as a leader in UV disinfection technology and we’re proud to represent their solutions in our region.

Being chosen to support the Tritonlux range is an honour, and we look forward to building a long and successful relationship together.

Here’s to raising the bar in water quality, safety, and innovation! 💧✨

Ozone has been used to purify water since the early 1900's, initially to treat municipal wastewater. Eventually, it was introduced as a water treatment system used in aquariums, swimming pools drinking water, industrial process water and fish farms producing fish for human consumption.

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that effectively targets organic matter, viruses, bacteria and parasites. It also targets off-flavour compounds, such as geosmin, and may introduce a new way to avoid the expensive and time-consuming purging of fish grown in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAD). Ozone rapidly decomposes and turns to pure oxygen, giving rise to additional benefits in both the water environment and biofilter.

Research evidence has shown ozone provides promising advantages for water treatment in RAS facilities

To continue reading this article click on the link below

In 1993 I was living on the Gold Coast working in the hospitality industry, which I still have a great passion for. John rang and offered me a position working with him at Technolab which he had just started.  I said I would give him 12 months and here I am, 30 years later, Managing Director and still loving what I’m doing! 

My commitment and passion to working with our clients to help them achieve the right outcomes for their projects is my driving force and I am lucky to love what I do. My focus when putting a system together is that it is easy to use and the most important consideration of all is that it is installed well.  We know that OxyGuard products are the best in the industry, so our main focus is that functionality is key to the system.

Working exclusively with teams from OxyGuard International in Denmark and Hydrotech Sweden for 30+ years has seen our business build a great network of support and trust with our suppliers.

I am incredibly proud of the small business and brand that is Technolab. 

We have built strong relationships with our industry partners Ben Pope and his team from Fresh by Design and have worked on many projects overseas with Rod Missen from RAD AQUA.  They build the big systems and we come in and work our magic to build monitoring and filtration systems that have been based on the customer’s needs for their facility.  It is great to work with other successful Australian companies who can come together and share ideas to develop new ways to assist our customers achieve their outcomes.

When I need time out you can find me spending time with my family, drinking many a good coffee from my local, on the golf course or floating down the river on my boat, fishing. 

Water mostly contains dissolved oxygen and nitrogen. But if the water becomes oversaturated, your fish can develop Gas Bubble disease. To detect and prevent that, you need a TGP probe.

The probe measures temperature and TGP – Total Gas Pressure, which, together with a DO probe and a control system, can calculate and display the saturation of oxygen and other gases. With this information, you can stay informed and ensure the health of your fish.

Contact us if you have questions and we can help to guide you in what is right for your unique environment.

• Task management
• Notifications and alarms
• Digital stock surveillance
• Access information from anywhere
• Track all your data in one place
• Autogenerated reports
• Growth curves and yield production
• Ability to assign tasks to employees

Cobalia can increase your efficiency with;

• A daily overview
• Track improvements and production
• Ideal conditions 24/7
• Optimal growth
• Improved yield

For a free presentation and to see how Cobailia can improve your sites work conditions contact us

“These days it is three decades since the collaboration between OxyGuard International and Technolab with the amazing Scott Powell and Katrina Powell. The anniversary marks a journey built on trust, friendship and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

Our bond with Scott and Katrina is not only the story of a successful business alliance but also a genuine friendship, built up over the years. Our shared dedication to providing exceptional service and top-quality equipment has set a standard, and we cherish our relationship highly.

Scott and Katrina's willingness to go the extra mile for customers has been a cornerstone of Technolab’s success, earning them trust and loyalty. Even though we live far apart, it is always a lot of fun, good laughs and inspirational conversations when we talk or get the opportunity to meet.

Here's to thirty years of partnership, innovation and friendship, with hopefully many more years and adventures to come in the future."

The centre will play a vital role in sustaining platypus population numbers and will provide refuge for up to 65 Platypus during severe environmental events, such as drought. It includes a refuge facility, research centre to observe and understand platypus breeding behaviour, rehabilitation and release facilities, and a public viewing area to educate visitors.

A naturalistic pre-release creek will also be built where guests will be able to observe the platypus in a wildlife setting and will help build fitness in rehabilitated animals ahead of their release back into the wild.

Technolab provided OxyGuard Pacific Systems to monitor water quality and alarm inputs from the eight systems built by Fresh By Design across the facility.

Congratulations to all the staff involved on this project and we look forward to sharing more information when the project has been completed.

Over the course of three days, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with our valued clients. This gathering marks a significant occasion as it is the first major exhibition in Australia since World Aquaculture 2014 held in Adelaide.

Joining us at the event are our esteemed colleagues from OxyGuard and Hydrotech, who have travelled all the way from northern Europe. They are prepared to share insights on the latest advancements in water quality measurement, alarm and control systems, and rotary drum filtration.

Make sure to visit our exhibition stands, numbered 23 and 24, located in the exhibition hall. We look forward to meeting you and exploring the innovative solutions we have to offer.

Key advantages

• Unique solids extraction with patented Hydrotech ALPHAFLEX™ panels combined with improved solids trough design
•  Enhanced solids trough design providing up to 50% larger collection area and integrated front splash protection
• Communication between ALPHAFLEX™ panels and solids trough enables faster and more efficient collection of particles from the water
• Improved hydraulic design minimizes undesirable pressure losses
• Custom-made profiles enable manufacturing in special alloys such as Duplex and Super Duplex steel
• New drive arrangement with less components means a simpler construction that eliminates corrosion problems, reduces maintenance and offers safer operation
• Automatic lubrication of main bearing and support wheels for almost maintenance-free operation and greater efficiency

To get a great overview of the latest features of this new range click on the following link which will take you directly to Hydrotech’s page on their website which runs you through an informative YouTube video, watch it here.

The smaller 500, 800 and 1200 drum filter series still offer a great solution for smaller volumes in plastic and stainless steel construction.

As the exclusive distributor in Australia and New Zealand for Hydrotech, we can provide you with any spare parts, exploded drawings or service kit information that you may need for your filter.